The Cove

Thanks to a tweet from National Geographic, I learned about the newly released documentary called The Cove. With an espionage vibe, the film follows a group of determined environmentalists, headed by the Oceanic Preservation Society, dedicated to exposing the illegal slaughter of dolphins in the coastal town of Taiji, Japan. Although I was familiar with the issue prior to my discovery of the film, I had no idea how complicated it actually is. The dishonesty from the Japanese government, which knows about the slaughter and does everything in its power to prevent The Cove team from revealing Taiji's secret, doesn't make the job any easier.

The highlight of the documentary is a man named Ric O'Barry. Responsible for catching and training the dolphins used in the popular, 60s TV show, Flipper, O'Barry now dedicates his life to the conservation of dolphins. His main focus is to free dolphins from captivity, and to emphasize the importance of dolphins living in the wild ocean. His passion for dolphins is obvious, and perhaps the leading thread throughout the movie. O'Barry's courageous move at the end of the film when he exposes a lying, Japanese member of the International Whaling Commission in front of 85 other member nations is priceless. It was a total "Yes, he got 'em!" moment.

At times, the film was undoubtedly difficult to watch. Using my hands to cover my eyes, and even to plug my ears, I tried my best to tune out the graphic images of Japanese fishermen brutally murdering thousands of dolphins, leaving the tides crimson. The usually calm and soothing clicks and whistles of the dolphins' echolocation was a frenzied, piercing static. One segment at the end of the documentary, after the environmentalists had successfully acquired the footage they sought after, was literally unbearable. Even though my ears were covered, I could still hear the dolphins -- and the other movie-goers sobbing and sniffling like myself.

But, this had to be shown. Without showing people how awful, inhumane and gruesome this slaughter truly is, nothing will change. In order for people to react, they need to be upset, whether it be emotionally traumatized or just plain furious. I am so thankful that this film hid nothing, and gave an honest account of this issue.

I encourage everyone to see The Cove, and I hope you will leave the theater as shaken, but also as inspired as I am.